NFL Thursday Night Preview: Redskins vs. Giants

September 24, 2015 •

Tonight is going to be a tough game for the New York Giants, since they will be trying to avoid an 0-3 start to the 2015-2016 season. This could become their second loss to an NFC East rival when they welcome the Washington Redskins to play tonight on Thursday Night Football. This will give fans a chance to watch two of the most storied franchises in the NFL face off, as NFC East rivals.

The Giants are probably very thankful that their Week 3 game is happening tonight, on a Thursday. It basically allows them to have a short week after last week’s disappointment, where they’ll try to erase it and quickly move on. A quick turnaround could allow the Big Blue to bounce back. They’d love to do that against a division foe, which would make the brutal 24-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons much more palatable. Last week was the second time in a row the Giants defense failed to make key stops late in the game, and so they ending up surrendering a game-winning touchdown in the last two minutes of the game.

So tonight could be the night that the Giants finally admit to themselves and the football world that their upcoming player, Odell Beckham Jr., is by far their best player, and so it’s about time to put the the ball in his hands regularly.

The Giants offensive coordinator, Ben McAdoo tried finding ways to get Beckham free, which did actually work in the first half against Atlanta last Sunday. Beckham had 10 passes thrown his way and caught six of them making 139 yards. But unfortunately Eli Manning only threw the ball to Beckham twice in the second half, which meant he had one catch for 7 yards. The criticism was that Atlanta had not altered its pass coverages much in the second half and that left Beckham open on many routes. Manning instead just threw the ball to receivers who were more open or easier to locate. These other Giants receivers either dropped Manning’s passes or did little with the ball after catching it. Though the coaches have not admitted it publicly, they should start to realize that their receivers are not all equal, and sending the ball in Beckham’s direction needs to become a priority if they want to win. T

In comparison, Atlanta, threw the ball to its star receiver, Julio Jones, nine times in the first half and went back to him six more times in the second half. That included a pass late in the game when he made the reception that set up the winning touchdown.

The Redskins are coming into the season amidst quarterback turmoil and seemingly are cursed. Two weeks in, and a new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, has steadied the ship and the team looks like it is showing signs of progress. Cousins isn’t a savvy veteran nor a green rookie, and that “unknown factor” about him has actually been strength for the Redskins and will keep NYC guessing.

Tom Coughlin, the head coach of the Giants, described their match up and the strengths of the Redskins ‘They’re the No. 1 rushing team in the league; they’re No. 2 in time of possession — almost 38 minutes a game. The opponent just doesn’t have the ball.’

If the Giants can force the ball to their top talent Beckham Jr. and keep possession numbers high they have a chance, as their defense will not be as stellar, so we can expect a high scoring game. Washington should play tough and hang around as the Washington offensive line has been incredible this season, but if Manning plays to Beckham Jr often they should steal the game in a NFC East match up that is seemingly up for grabs.